Time for the most crucial step of all: As soon as you've decluttered and reorganized your workspace, you need to immediately form new habits to replace the old ones. Otherwise, you will end up with the same ugly, disorganized paper stacks, old bananas, and dirty coffee cups that caused all the problems in the first place!

Jot down some simple notes—rules, if you will—for what can/cannot be on your desk. Create a process that will help you consistently and easily deal with incoming mail, phone messages, and e-mails. Describe how you will handle incoming projects and the paperwork that goes with them. Set a policy of handling papers only once: Read it, file it, pitch it, or pass it along to someone else. Consider everything that crosses your desk as a “hot potato” that requires some sort of action. Re-read your new organizational “rules” every day, at least at first, until your new habits begin to feel ingrained.

Now it's time to look at your office with “best feng shui practices” in mind. Keeping those files and piles off your desk, as mentioned above, is important to allowing chi to work freely, as is keeping trash containers empty. Include small objects or plants on your bookshelves to break up the regular lines of books standing at attention.

If you want to lift any stagnant energy on your desk, bring in some fresh flowers and place them in a lovelyvase! They will raise the energy level in the room (or cubicle), while brightening your attitude. If possible, find ways to bring sunlight to your workspace; it heralds warmth and yang energy. You can accomplish this with mirrors, reflective glass on framed pictures, and lamps with full-spectrum lighting that mimics daylight. Notice the placement of symbols and objects in the room. Ideally, you should face south (this is the fame area), with your back to the wall, for support. The fame area is also the optimal place for diplomas and certificates to be displayed. The southern direction is also associated with increased sales—something that will be important to those in sales, marketing, or operations.

Be careful in your mindful placement of helpful items not to go overboard—too much of a good thing can spoil your chances for success by choking the chi in your office space.

Remember, your attitudes, the placement of objects in your office, and the containment of clutter are keys to your career success. Your work area should support your goals in life.

If it pays homage to feng shui principles and symbols, if it is tidy, clean, and well organized, you will be calm and confident. Energy will flow freely, so that your creativity will be optimized. And when that happens, you will operate at peak performance. What more could you want?